On this World Ozone Day on September 16th, we celebrate the success of the Montreal Protocol—a global agreement that has not only protected the ozone layer but also helped combat climate change and transform industries.

The theme for this year’s World Ozone Day is from science to global action. In 1985, driven by scientific research, the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was created as a framework in response to the concerns of ozone layer depletion in the stratosphere. Two years later, the Montreal Protocol became a landmark international agreement with specified global actions and binding targets that require all parties to comply.

While the success of the Montreal Protocol is well known, the significant role of the Private Sector in its implementation is less recognized. From the outset, the private sector has been at the forefront of technological innovation. Chemical producers developed better alternatives to ozone depleting substances (ODS). Equipment manufacturers revisited traditional technologies such as natural refrigerants, redesigning them with improved safety measures and performance. The success of the Montreal Protocol lies in its openness, inclusiveness and neutrality on technological options proposed by different countries and industries.

The Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MLF) plays a key role in helping technology transfer and innovation through the implementing agencies such as UNDP, UNIDO, UNEP and the World Bank. These factsheets showcase success stories highlighting how UNDP has worked with the private sector to promote technology innovation. Some initiatives supported by UNDP in collaboration with the private sector transformed national and regional markets, for example, refrigerator and compressor manufacturers in Bangladesh and Mexico, commercial and industrial refrigeration manufacturers in China, super-market chains owners in Chile and Colombia, and foam and air-conditioning manufacturers in Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Nigeria.  

In addition to promoting innovation, SMEs are vital drivers of local economies across sectors. With funding from the MLF and technical support from UNDP, nearly 2,800 SMEs in developing countries have successfully converted their manufacturing lines to greener technologies. Building local technical assistance and training centers is a key step to delivering support to SMEs. Furthermore, in the refrigeration and air conditioning servicing sector, where MSMEs and the informal sector are prevalent, the Montreal Protocol has provided critical support for vocational training, equipment provision, technician certification, and refrigerant recovery, reclaim, and recycling programs. These efforts have enabled countries to not only phase out ODS but also build qualified workforces for green and low carbon industrialization. The mandatory technician certification system established in Indonesia is a good example.

Without the sustained support provided to developing countries over the past three decades, the complexity of evolving technologies, high conversion costs, and limited technical expertise would have posed major barriers, making it difficult for many countries to meet their Montreal Protocol compliance targets and advance toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

Scientists are sounding the alarm on the climate.  As stated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the 2025 World Ozone Day, every fraction of a degree matters, every action counts. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol aims to phasedown hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are powerful greenhouse gases predominantly used in refrigeration and air conditioning products, building and cold chain infrastructures. Implementing the Kigali Amendment could avoid up to 0.5°C of warming by the end of the century. Paired with energy-efficient cooling, we could double these gains.

The Multilateral Fund has introduced a comprehensive framework to enhance Energy Efficiency while phasing down HFCs under the Kigali Amendment, and established Funding Windows to cover energy efficiency interventions, such as enabling activities on policies and standards, product redesign, prototype, products incentives and regional testing center in manufacturing, assembly, and servicing sector, and revolving funds for end user sectors. For more information about these exciting opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our colleagues in HQ and regional hubs.  

The enduring success of the Montreal Protocol is a testament to what can be achieved through strong global cooperation, effective financial mechanisms, and extensive private sector engagement. UNDP’s experience in mobilizing the private sector and SMEs for green transition under the Montreal Protocol offers a valuable model.

Together, we can work together to promote innovative and integrated cooling solutions for a healthier planet and people.